"Greetings to you, Rugg. I am Kargen, chieftain of my tribe, and this is Shaluhk, shamaness and healer."
"Honour be to you both," said Rugg. "I assume you have come to see our chieftain, Zahruhl?"
"We have. We wish to seek his permission to cross your lands."
"Then come with me. I will take you to him."
He turned, guiding them towards an immense stone structure. "This is our great hall. No doubt it will look familiar to you."
Kargen was impressed, for like the village wall, it appeared to be made of a single piece of stone.
Rugg noticed the look. "We have used our magic to fuse the stones. It took many years."
"It is quite impressive," said Kargen, "and reminds me of the legends."
"And so it should. The technique has been passed down for generations."
"An enemy would be hard-pressed to break those walls."
The statement gave Rugg pause. He turned, a look of curiosity on his face. "An interesting thing to say. We have never been attacked and are on friendly terms with our neighbours, but it seems changes are coming or so says our shaman." He waved his hand in what Kargen thought was a very Human manner. "But let us not speak of such things just yet. Come, I will introduce you to our chieftain, Zahruhl."
The great hall, with the exception of the stone walls, was of a similar layout as was typical amongst the green race. A large room held enough space for the tribe to gather, while one end was separated by a wall to allow the chieftain and his family some privacy. A wooden door connected the two, on which Rugg rapped three times.
"Come," came the answer.
The master of earth opened the door, ushering Kargen and Shaluhk inside.
"Greetings," said Rugg, "I have brought you guests. This is Kargen, Chieftain of the Red Hand, and this is their shaman, Shaluhk."
"Greetings to you both," the leader of the Stone Crushers replied. "Have a seat, and we shall share the milk of life."
They took their places around the modest fire. A female Orc entered, carrying a bowl filled with the milky-white liquid.
"This is Voruhn," said the chieftain, "my bondmate."
"Honour to your Ancestors," said Shaluhk.
"And to yours," came the reply.
Zahruhl took a sip of the milk, passing it to Kargen. The chieftain of the Red Hand raised the drink to his lips, partaking of only the smallest of sips, then gave it to Shaluhk. In this way, it made its way around the circle, finally coming to rest in the hands of Voruhn. The ritual complete, the bowl was set aside.
"Tell me," said Zahruhl, "why have you come here?"
"We come seeking a new home," Kargen replied. "Our last was devastated by war."
"The Humans?"
Kargen nodded. "Yes, though we defeated them once, we knew it was inevitable that they would return in greater numbers. It was a difficult decision to move on, but we knew we had little choice."
"And so you crossed the mountains."
"How did you know that?" asked Kargen.
"Where else would you have encountered Humans?"
"Will you allow us to pass through your lands?"
"I will," said Zahruhl, "under one condition."
Kargen braced himself. "Go on."
"You must talk to your people. Those that wish it may settle amongst us, adopting our ways."
"Absorption?"
"Only for those who choose it."
"I shall consider your offer." Kargen thought a moment before continuing. "If we do decide to cross your lands, what can we expect?"
"Northeast of here lies the hunting grounds of our cousins, the Black Axe. Beyond them are said to be Humans."
"Anything else?"
"Yes, to the north lies the ancient gateway."
"That sounds intriguing," said Shaluhk. "What manner of gateway is this you speak of?"
"It is an ancient stone construction," said Zahruhl, "but Rugg is better suited to speak of such things." He looked to his master of earth.
"The gateway's origin is lost to history," stated Rugg, "its true use long forgotten in the past, and yet it still possesses great power."
"In what way?" asked Shaluhk.
"It enhances the effectiveness of any spell cast in its vicinity."
"Any magic?"
"Well, that of the earth, certainly. The others we are not sure of."
"Is it of Orcish construction?"
"It certainly appears to be," the master of earth continued. "There are inscriptions on the stone in the ancient language of our race, though none can read it these days."
"If you can not read it," asked Kargen, "how do you know it is in Orcish?"
"It bears symbols that are similar to those used by our shamans, including myself."
"Fascinating," noted Shaluhk. "I have often wondered what our Ancestors were capable of."
"Are there dangers aside from the Humans?" asked Kargen.
"Only from the tuskers, and fortunately, they are few."
"Tuskers?"
"Yes," added Zahruhl, "vicious beasts larger than deer, with tusks and sharp teeth."
"I think we encountered one of those," said Kargen. "It had cloven feet and moved quickly."
"That sounds like a Tusker. Tell me, how did you defeat it? Their hides are said to be impenetrable."
"We used a combination of things," explained Kargen, "including magic, my axe, and a warbow."
"A warbow?"
"Yes, a bow crafted to take advantage of our broad shoulders. It was developed by a member of our tribe, a Human named Athgar."
"A Human?" Zahruhl recoiled in horror. "You let them travel amongst you?"
"I wish it were so, but no, he and his bondmate, Nat-Alia, preceded us. I am surprised you have not met them."
The chieftain waved away the remark. "The forest is thick, and we can not be everywhere at once. Perhaps they have already made contact with our cousins of the Black Axe?"
"One can always hope," noted Shaluhk.
Zahruhl rose. "I will let you return to your people, Kargen. You have much to consider. Once again, I extend the invitation to your tribe. Let them be joined to us as one. It is best for all."
"I appreciate the offer, but the choice is not mine to make. We shall hold a meeting and give you your answer in the morning."
"Very well. Rugg will show you the way out."
They were led back outside, through the great hall, and into
